How can we create multifunctional spaces in our home?

In today’s time, space is a luxury and having a large, spacious home which has a dedicated room for every activity is a dream for many. Having said this, we should in no way deprive ourselves of what we desire in our dream home and mindful planning and understanding of design can help you still create pockets and multifunctional spaces that can meet all your needs. Now more than ever, designs are facilitating multifunctional spaces so that one can make the most of the space they have and enjoy all the amenities and features that they have always aspired for, in their dream home. Here are some simple ways in which you can create multifunctional spaces in your home: 

1. Create a reading nook in the living room

While our living room is often considered a space where we’d entertain guests and welcome family and friends, on most other days- it is used as a lounge area for the family. Considering the fast paced lives we lead, our social lives hardly exist, hence, it is advisable to also adapt your living room to meet your day to day needs rather than just serving as a sitting area for the occasional guest. 

While you may have your full fledged sofa set for the family or guests to lounge at, you can also create a quiet corner with a comfortable window seat, a relaxing rocking chair or a plush sofa with a foot stool to unwind with a book. You can pair this with a tall floor mounted light, lots of natural ventilation and a small bookshelf if you have space for it. If not, you can install closed storage, hidden compartments and drawers in your TV unit to store your favourite books. This in no way interferes with your main seating area, while offering you a chance to create a comfortable nook to read and relax at. 

2. Create a work nook in the dining area / bedroom 

Our dining room is predominantly used only during meal times, which makes it a great space to don the hat of a work nook or a reading area. You can create a small study area with storage units and counter space which can be used as a work area when not being used as a prep area before serving the meals. You can also have a chest of drawers, lots of plug points and ample lighting to make this space comfortable and work or study friendly. 

You can go for minimal or bright finishes to help create a fun, lively and refreshing dining space, which works equally well for a lively work area as well. From having cozy window seats to using trusty ergonomic furniture, you can pick the furniture that works based on the size of your dining room. 

If you have a space or budget constraint, you can simply use your dining table or breakfast counter as your work or study space, which doubles up as a dining room when not in use.

Facilitating this space with ample plug points, good lighting and comfortable seating will help you make your dining area a multipurpose space with minimal efforts. 

3. Create a workout nook in the balcony 

Now we often use our balconies to simply dry our clothes, store any unnecessary things or as a spot for a quick break from our day to day lives. But with a little effort and a few changes, you can make it your workout nook as you can enjoy natural air and sunlight while you are exercising, which is a great way to elevate the whole experience. 

You can start by choosing a part of your balcony that you would like to use every day, add a small storage unit for your workout equipment, mats etc. You can add screens with artificial leaves or live walls to ensure that you have your privacy from onlookers. You can also add lots of plants, a small water dispenser and ample artificial night to make it user friendly at all times of the day. 

4. Extended staircase landing 

If you have a duplex house, then you can use your extended staircase landing for a lot of activities. From making it a simple seat, where one can simply sit and relax, to making it a reading area or even a small library area- you can use it to create a niche that is fun and multifunctional. It should be atleasy 6 feet wide, and you must ensure to add a small railing for the purpose of safety of the users. Ample lighting, natural ventilation and storage must be provided along with comfortable seating to make the space user friendly. 

This style of segregation of functions can be seen in homes stacked on multiple levels, contemporary villas and modern independent homes where the provision for the same has been made at the structural level as this is not a change one can easily make after the construction is complete. 

Understanding our lifestyle, and our priorities in terms of our social lifestyle, hobbies, preferences will help create spaces that cater to all our needs without demanding excessive space or expensive changes. While the aforementioned spaces are suitable to cater to the needs of all the inhabitants of the house, you can also create a dedicated work area in your bedroom if you are someone who prefers their privacy and a quiet environment to work in. You can create a dedicated area in your bedroom by using partitions that double up as TV units, wardrobe etc., to create a niche work area that is private and allows you to focus on your work undisturbed. 

Once you have zeroed in on the areas that you want to use, you can choose a theme of your liking, ranging from a study nook that is inspired by nature to a reading area inspired by the classic gentlemen’s club- you can choose from over 500 designs from Merino Laminates to create storage units, interesting partition walls, tables and wall finishes to create the ambiance you desire in your home.